Gearing Up for your Next Cycling Holiday

Photo by: Manon Boyer

Gearing Up for Your Next Cycling Holiday

Article by: Jenny Holt

Over 50% of Canadiancyclists have been involved in an accidentor know someone who has according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The good news is that cycling advocates from all over the country have been relentlessly campaigning for the creation of more bike-friendly roads. In addition to this, however, you must also do your part in making each ride much safer not only for yourself but also for everyone else on the road. This means that aside frombuying the right kind of bike, you should also always practice defensive riding.

Safety gear

Of course, it is also important to invest in protective gear. According to the experts at the Cleveland Clinic, bikehelmets can lower the risk of head injuriesby as much as 85%. Lights and reflective clothing, on the other hand, make you more visible to other motorists. Finally,side mirrors should make it a lot easier for you to watch out for vehicles when turning.

Communications equipment

Every cyclist should also always carry a mobile phone and maybe even a power bank so they can easily call for help in case of an emergency. For longer trips, however, bringing aweather radio with backup poweralong should also be a good idea so you’re always a step ahead of the elements. The last thing you want is to be caught in the middle of a thunderstorm with no shelter nearby, right? Knowing what to expect along the way allows you to prepare beforehand or make adjustments to your route on the fly.

Food and drinks

Finally, be sure to always pack enough sustenance to last the entire duration of each trip—or at least bring enough cash so you can buy food and drinks along the way. Keep in mind that cycling is a physically demanding activity, especially if your ride involves a lot of uphill pedalling. Besides,proper nutrition can help boost performanceanyway, so it’s a great way to improve the overall quality of your cycling trip.

Preparation is key

At the end of the day, the safety and quality of your cycling holiday depend on how much preparation you do beforehand. This means that in addition to keeping your bike in top riding shape at all times, you should also always make sure that you pack everything—from safety and communications gear all the way to sustenance—you’ll need to survive each trip. The goal is to be as prepared as you could possibly be for anything that may happen along the way.